Floral Arrangements Guide

Unlike most creative arts, floral arrangement has the advantage of natural, not man-made material.

In all the centuries of mankind we have been unable to reproduce the thrilling combination of soft texture, graceful lines, radiant color and delicate scent found in a single rose.

Science has, however, greatly advanced the planting of garden flowers by constant research and experiment.

History shows us that as far back as 562 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon designed the beauti­ful "Hanging Gardens" for his wife, Amytis. They are one of the "Seven wonders of the world."

Today we see about us our own lovely gardens, some formal, some informal, designed to enclose our homes in an aura of enchantment.

The desire to bring some of this beauty into our homes gave birth to the art of flower arrangement, which is by no means a new one.

The Japanese people used it centuries ago in their daily life and re­ligion. There it is called "Ikebana" and is an art for all of us.

All we need is the appreciation of beauty and a few flower arrangement implements.

The fields, woods, brookbanks, gardens, and of course your local flower shop are abun­dant with the many varieties of plant materials used in flower arrange­ment.

As you page through this site, you will find that it tells in simple copy and illustrations, just what you want to know about your new hobby.

The possibilities of Floral Arrangements are unlimited.

Donald Trosper, Author

How to dry Roses
Candee Stark
137c There are many reasons why you might want to dry your roses: Many people want to keep a memento of a special moment, perhaps from a wedding they went to, a special holiday or maybe the flowers were a gift from a mate, a friend, or family member.

Whatever your reasons for doing it, this is the section where you will learn to dry your roses properly. There two ways that you can dry your roses that are a cheap and relatively easy.

Air Drying

Air drying is by far the easiest and most inexpensive method of drying flowers, including roses. It is easy to do; all you have to do is follow these simple instructions.

Whenever I receive roses as a gift, I dry them to prolong my enjoyment of them. I have used them to create dried arrangements, potpourri, and many times have added them to centerpiece arrangements.

Supplies:

Roses (tend to dry darker than original color)

Twine

Hairspray (optional)

Arrange your roses in a vase with water and floral preservative, as you would with a regular arrangement. Allow roses to partially open, remove
them from the vase, tie a string around the bottom of the stems and hang the bunch upside down in a dry place (such as an attic or garage).

Depending on humidity levels, it will take about two weeks for the roses to completely dry. Test for dryness by gently squeezing a bud and if it
is soft to the touch, you will need to give it more time.

When the flowers/buds are firm, untie them, spray with hairspray to prevent crumbling, and arrange as desired.

Sand Drying

1. Start by picking the roses that are in perfect
condition. They shouldn't have any dew on them and the stems should be dry as well.

2. You can reinforce the stems and blossom with either white glue or florist wire.

3. For florist wire, you will want to cut off most of the stem. Leave about one inch of stem.

4. Push about 3 inches of wire through the stem and right through the flower head.

5. Next, you want to bend the end of the wire into a hook over each rose head and pull it down. This helps to keep the head secured to the stem.

6. When choosing to use the glue, begin by diluting the glue in a dab of water.

7. You will take a toothpick and dab a thin coat of the glue mixture at the base of each petal.

8. Next, you will work the glue into the base of the stems of each flower so that you can attach each petal to the base, wait till the glue dries completely.

9. Now for the sand, slowly and carefully cover the flowers with sand in deep open boxes.

10. Make the sand in the box deep enough to hold the flowers upright.

11. Sit each flower in the sand filled box and slowly pour sand around the base, around the sides, and over and under the petals. You should pour the sand evenly so that you can preserve the flowers natural shape.

12. You will want to wait for the flowers to dry while facing upright.

13. Put the boxes with the roses in a dry space
that is warm and brightly lit. This will ensure that your roses will maintain their bright color.

14. Let them dry for one to three weeks.

15. If you want more muted colors, you will want to dry them in a more humid area.

16. To remove the sand, tip the drying Container slightly so that the sand can fall off the flowers.

17. Remove each flower one by one.

Now you have successfully learned how to dry your roses so that they are ready for you to do whatever you'd like with them. These dried flowers will make great decorations for any room in your house or office, or whatever else you'd
like to do.

About the Author

Candee Stark is a Reading Specialist in a local elementary school and has spent the last two and a half years earning her masters degree. Her new passion is her indoor herb garden. Visit her at /www.flowers-and-garden.com/artcan target=_blank>http://www.flowers-and-garden.com/artcan>Flowers and Garden.com if you would like to read more /www.flowers-and-garden.com/artdir target=_blank>http://www.flowers-and-garden.com/artdir>
gardening and flower articles.

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